FEATURES

Jan, Beth, Christel, Pam, Amy & Cheryl...

Friday, 31 March 2023 00:10

Who are the most nomination-worthy of Minnesota's female Grand Masters in 2022? Matt and Damon consider Jan, Beth, Christel, Pam, Amy and Cheryl to be the strongest candidates.

Here are their 2022 highlights:

JAN GUENTHER, 63, Long Lake - Winner of more MMHs than any other Minnesota triathlete, it came as no surprise that her 2022 regional resume was stellar. She set AG records at Timberman Olympic, where she placed 3rd overall in the women's race, and Buffalo, where she was the 7th woman to cross the finish line. She also placed 7th (AG win) at Lake Minnetonka, and she won her age group title at Ironman 70.3 Madison.

BETH HASSLER, 66, Andover / Eagle River, WI - Divisional wins at Timberman and Tri West, plus podiums at Olympic Nationals and Ironman 70.3 Madison are the kind of highlights that Matt and Damon are looking for.

CHRISTEL KIPPENHAN, 57, Bemidji - A prolific and successful racer, Christel posted AG records at Timberman Sprint, where she placed 3rd overall in the women's race, Buzz Ryan (4th woman overall) and Maple Grove Olympic (6th woman overall). Her 2nd at Northwoods and 6th at Buffalo Sprint were also fine performances....

PAM STEVENS, 69, Sartell - Pam recorded AG wins at Buffalo Olympic (AG record) and Maple Grove Olympic, plus silver medal performances at Timberman Olympic and Apple Duathlon.

AMY WOOLSEY, 57, Foley  - Lots of races and lots of highlights for this golf enthusiast (top photo). She finished on the overall women's podium three times, including a win, the 5th of her career, at Moose Lake. She also rewrote divisional records at Buffalo and Clearwater Olympic, and won her AG at Timberman.

CHERYL ZITUR, 57, Corcoran - Cheryl collected her 19th and 20th career overall women's victories this year, doing so at Northwoods and Clearwater Sprint. She podiumed in her other two regional starts, winning her AG by significan margins.